Help! First call from Tenant with an issue

[Jay Patel]

Hey BP,

I purchased my first SFR back in March and got it rented out on April 1st. The tenants have been quiet so far but today they texted with their first issue:

Water is slow to go down the shower. When the toilet is flushed while showering, the water level in the toilet rises high (close to over topping). The toilet bubbles when the bathroom sink is in use. They said they tried drainol on in the shower but its still the same. 

What do I do? I am not really handy by nature. 

Thanks!

[Robert Newburn]

Jay, it sound like you have a blockage in your shower drain. You can pick up a snake or a drill powered drain auger fairly cheap ($30) at Home Depot. I have been a landlord for sometime now and drains, toilets, sinks, and outside faucets are things that you should be fairly comfortable with. There are videos on YouTube and articles on the Internet to walk you through. Also, if I ever pay a plumber to come out, I always watch him do the work. If I am going to pay him then I am going to learn from him.